Drawing from the WELLspring of Life--Jesus
Dear Family In Christ,
A few weeks ago we had our first team arrive from Eagle Heights Church of Memphis and we made the long journey to the Maasai well Celebration in Nkiu near the Masa Mara. It was one of the most rigorous trips we have made with a large team but in the end all the hardship was worth it to see FIVE Maasai give their lives to Christ Jesus and be baptized!
The mountain trail we had to traverse to get to this remote village had been ravaged by rains. We had to cross several rivers and climb steep mountain ravines. It was a battle to get our vehicles there and back safely two times. Our amazing team drivers put everything they had into scaling this mountain. We're so thankful for the way they faced this challenge with courage and determination. It was a miracle we made it!
We had a lot of vehicle break downs and physically and emotionally we were all feeling the effects of intense spiritual warfare. Joel had to go up the mountain at 3 am to prepare the baptismal for the celebration. He ended up sleeping in a hammock connected to the well. That morning when we all arrived at the well site we felt the presence of God. We partnered with local missionaries Aaron and Stephanie Domengeaux and pastors associated with Kufikia International to bless the widows with goats and food staples. It was a beautiful celebration full of Maasai worship songs and dances. The gospel was preached and there were many that came forward for prayers for healing and deliverance. We saw God's Spirit move powerfully on some of the newly baptized believers.
"for I satisfy the thirsty person and feed all those who are weak."
Jeremiah 31:25
The Lord is our strength. When we are weak and tired and thirsty, He provides all we need. It's painful when we come to the end of ourselves, but only at the end of our resources can Christ begin to truly satisfy us. His wellspring never runs out. But we have to intentionally draw from Him--bury our lives deep within Him and keep our connection with Him strong. It's in knowing He has all we need and freely gives it to us, we can be replenished.
It's so important to remain connected to our Wellspring--Jesus. And to keep on adding to our faith and trust in Christ even when the cost is high and it's not easy. This particular well site was drilled five times and didn't hit water until the fifth try. The government said there was no water and others said it couldn't be done. We heard God tell us to pray and contend for it--to obey Him and begin the work--trusting that He would provide the water and the way. He provided!! Through New Wine Christian Fellowship, Eagle Heights Church of Memphis and many of you, God made a way!! We are so thankful for all of you.
This was an intense and rigorous trip and we are grateful for the way Eagle Heights Church of Memphis and Pam Englade pressed on in grace and in prayer. They blessed our family and team so much and encouraged our hearts mightily. The Lord brought a lot of healing through them. It was wonderful to see the young people that came serving and sharing the gospel, the children that received new shoes and the widows that are rejoicing over God's provision!
We want to encourage you that Jesus has all we need and it flows into our lives as we REMAIN in Him--trusting in His goodness and mercy and faithfulness towards us. Diligently stay close and connected to His Wellspring.
Friends, we want to thank you for the way you love what God loves and obey Him in supporting His Great Commission.
Prayer Points:
Be in prayer with us for the missions teams we have scheduled to the end of July
We are praying for Holy Spirit to lead and guide us and to empower us to do His will and preach the Gospel of Jesus
Pray that many souls will hear and put their trust in Jesus!
Pray that our vehicles will not break down or need anymore costly repairs.
Pray for the refreshing and blessing of our team
May God strengthen you and bless you and your families! May Jesus return to find us all faithfully serving Him. And may we remain in His Love.
Love In Christ our Wellspring of LIFE,
Joel, Joye, and the Magnificent Seven